After 4 Years, Embattled Out Hotel NYC is No More

Touted four years ago as one of the hottest new boutique hotels in the city, The Out NYC is closing its doors this month after lagging interest and protests from the LGBT community.

In early July, Merchants Hospitality Group signed an approximately $40 million contract to take over the property at West 42nd Street.

While increased LGBT visibility has hurt several bars and hotels catering specifically to our community, The Out NYC experienced real decline after owners Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass hosted a private fundraising event for Sen. Ted Cruz. During his unsuccessful big for the Republican presidential nomination, Cruz became even more conservative on LGBT rights and advocated for several anti-gay policies.

Unfortunately, the resulting boycott and protests from the LGBT community were the final nail in the coffin for the The Out.